Washing method and washing machine

Abstract

A washing method and a washing machine, more specifically, to a washing method which improves a washing ability and a washing machine are disclosed. The washing method includes a laundry amount detecting step of detecting the amount of laundry loaded in a drum; and a high head motion step of dropping the laundry by braking the drum after the laundry is lifted over a half of the drum height by rotation of the drum, when the detected amount of the laundry is in a preset range.

Claims

1. A washing method, comprising: rotating a drum along a predetermined direction to lift laundry; detecting an amount of laundry loaded in the drum having a horizontal rotational axis, while the drum is rotating; performing a high head motion of dropping the laundry by braking the drum after the laundry is lifted over a half of the drum height by rotation of the drum about a horizontal axis, wherein the high head motion includes: braking the drum when a height of the lifted laundry is over the half of the drum height; and repeating the rotating and the braking of the drum, wherein the drum rotates in only one of clockwise or counterclockwise during the high head motion, and wherein the high head motion is performed when the amount of the laundry detected is below a predetermined amount, and performing a normal motion of rotating the drum in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined RPM to drop the laundry from a height of not more than half of the drum height, wherein the normal motion is implemented when the amount of the laundry is above the predetermined amount.

2. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the braking of the drum brakes the drum so that the laundry lifted from a lowest point of the drum is dropped near a peak of the drum.

3. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high head motion stops driving of a drive for a predetermined time period after allowing the drive rotating the drum to rotate and brake the drum repeatedly.

4. The washing method as claimed in claim 3, wherein a time of the high head motion taken for the drive to rotate and brake the drum is 70% of an entire time of the high head motion.

5. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: performing a cooling motion of dropping the laundry near a half of the drum height by rotating the drum constantly, after the high head motion.

6. The washing method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cooling motion stops the driving of the drive for a predetermined time period after it allows the drive to rotate the drum.

7. The washing method as claimed in claim 6, wherein a time of the cooling motion taken for the drive to rotate the drum is 50% of an entire time of the cooling motion.

8. The washing method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: performing a normal motion of rolling-dropping the laundry lifted from a lowest point of the drum by rotating the drum along a predetermined direction from a height not more than half of the drum height, after repeating the high head motion and the cooling motion.

9. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: performing a cooling operation of cooling a drive that rotates the drum by operating a fan, after the high head motion.

10. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: performing a cooling operation of cooling a drive that rotates the drum by using wash water, after the high head motion.

11. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: inputting a course washing the laundry using cold water; and supplying cold water to a tub for surrounding the drum.

12. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of laundry detected is based on a measured time that is required to stop the rotation of the drum rotating at a predetermined velocity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the disclosure.

(2) In the drawings:

(3) FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a control panel of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating various drum motions of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a step motion provided in a washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a scrub motion of the washing method according to the present invention;

(8) FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a drum motion corresponding to some of steps shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6; and

(10) FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating temperature change for the washing method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

(11) Reference will now be made in detail to the specific embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

(12) As follows, a washing method and a washing machine according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings.

(13) FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(14) The washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 110 configured to defines a profile of the washing machine, a tub 120 arranged in the cabinet 110 with being supported by the cabinet 110, a drum 130 arranged in the tub to rotate after receiving laundry therein, a driving part 140 configured to apply a torque to the drum 130 to rotate the drum 130, and a control panel 115 configured to receive a user's input to control an overall operation of the washing machine.

(15) The cabinet 110 includes a cabinet body 111, a cabinet cover 112 arranged and coupled to a front of the cabinet body 111 and a top plate 116 coupled to the cabinet body. The cabinet cover 112 includes a laundry introduction opening 114 formed to allow laundry introduced therein and a door 113 rotatable in a right and left direction to open and close the laundry introduction opening.

(16) The tub 120 is suspendedly mounted in the cabinet 110 by a spring (not shown) and a damper (not shown). The tub 120 holds wash water during the washing and the drum 130 is mounted in the tub 120.

(17) The laundry is loaded into the drum 130 and the drum 130 is rotated with the laundry. A plurality of holes may be formed in the drum 130 to pass wash water there through and a lifter 125 may be mounted in the drum 130 to lift the laundry a predetermined height. The drum 130 is rotated by the driving part 140.

(18) The driving part 140 applies a torque or a braking power to the drum 130. The driving part 140 is configured of a motor and a switching device for controlling the motor, and it is controlled by a control part 115 to realize various motions.

(19) The control panel 115 receives the user's input. The control panel 115 controls an overall operation of the washing machine and it displays a current operational state. Here, the control panel 115 may be provided on an upper area of the cabinet cover 112. Here, in the control panel 115 may be an operation button to receive the user's input and a display device including a microcomputer and a display to control the operation of the washing machine.

(20) FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the control panel of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1.

(21) The control panel 115 provided in the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a course selection dial 115a and a start button 115b.

(22) The course selection dial 115a is a dial used by the user to select a washing course. The user rotates the dial to select a washing course. The course selection dial 115a includes various courses classified based on a laundry type, a contamination degree, a washing method and a washing time. According to this embodiment, a cold care course configured to perform washing by using cold water.

(23) The start button 115b is a button used to start washing. When the user selects the course by using the dial course 115a and pushes the start button 115b, washing may start according to the selected course. A pausing function used to stop the washing temporarily may be added to the start button 115b.

(24) When the user rotates the course selection dial 115a to select the cold care course for washing laundry by using cold water and he or she pushes the start button 115b, it is input to the microcomputer of the control panel 115 that the cold care course is selected. The microcomputer of the control panel 115 implements a washing method set for the cold care course.

(25) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating various drum motions of the washing machine according to the present invention.

(26) FIG. 3(a) illustrates a drum motion in which the laundry is lifted from the lowest point of the drum 130 once the driving part 140 rotates the drum 130 along a predetermined direction, to be dropped at approximately a half of the drum height (hereinafter, referenced to as tumbling motion). In the tumbling motion, the drum 130 is rotated at approximately 45 rpm constantly and the laundry loaded in the drum 130 is washed by a shock and a frictional force.

(27) FIG. 3(b) illustrates a drum motion in which the laundry is lifted from the lowest point of the drum 130 once the driving part 140 rotates the drum 130 along a predetermined direction, to be dropped at a predetermined height not less than the half of the drum height (hereinafter, referenced to as rolling motion). In a rolling motion, the drum 130 constantly is rotated at approximately 40 rpm or less and the laundry is rolling dropped to be washed by extension/contraction and a frictional force.

(28) FIG. 3(c) illustrates a drum motion in which the laundry is lifted from the lowest point of the drum 130 once the driving part 140 rotates the drum 130 in opposite directions, to be dropped at a predetermined height higher than the half of the drum height (hereinafter, referenced to as scrub motion). After the laundry is dropped, the drum 130 is rotated in the opposite direction and the laundry is then lifted over the half of the drum height. After that, the driving part 140 applies a brake to the drum 130 and the laundry is dropped. The laundry loaded in the drum 130 is washed by a shock generated from high-head and friction. The scrub motion repeats rapid acceleration and rapid braking, and much load is applied to the driving part 140. The scrub motion will be described in detail in reference to FIG. 5 later.

(29) FIG. 3(d) illustrates a drum motion in which the laundry is lifted from the lowest point of the drum 130 once the driving part 140 rotates the drum 130 along opposite directions, to be dropped at near the half of the drum height (hereinafter, referenced to as swing motion). In a swing motion, the drum 130 is rotated at approximately 40 rpm or less along opposite directions and the laundry inside the drum 130 is rolling dropped, to be washed by extension/contraction and a frictional force.

(30) FIG. 3(e) illustrates a drum motion in which the laundry is lifted from the lowest point of the drum 130 once the driving part 140 rotates the drum 130 along a predetermined direction, to be dropped at the peak of the drum 130 (hereinafter, referenced to as step motion). In a step motion, the drum 130 is rotated at approximately 60 rpm or more and the laundry is then lifted. After the laundry is lifted over the half of the drum height, the driving part 140 applies a braking to the drum 130 and the laundry is dropped at near the peak of the drum 130. After the laundry is dropped, the drum 130 is rotated along the same direction and the laundry is then lifted. Here, the laundry is washed by a strong shock generated from the high head. The step motion repeats rapid acceleration and rapid braking, and much load is applied to the driving part 140. The step motion will be described in detail in reference to FIG. 4 later.

(31) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the step motion of the washing method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(32) Once the driving part 140 applies a torque to the drum 130 along a predetermined direction, the drum 130 is rotated along the predetermined direction to rotate the laundry and the laundry is then lifted (S210). The driving part 140 applies a torque to the drum 130 along a predetermined direction when the laundry is located at the lowest point of the drum 130. Then, the drum 130 is rotated along the predetermined direction. When the drum 130 is rotated along the predetermined direction, the laundry is lifted by the lifter 135 and it is rotated along the predetermined direction. At this time, the drum 130 may be rotated at approximately 60 rpm or more to rotate the laundry in a state of contacting with the drum 130 closely.

(33) When the height of the lifted laundry is over the half of the drum height, the driving part 140 applies a braking to the drum 130, to lower the velocity of the drum 130 (S220). When the position of the laundry is over approximately 165 degrees by the rotation of the drum 130 along the predetermined direction, the driving part 140 applies a braking to the drum 130. The driving part 140 may apply plugging braking and/or dynamic braking to the drum 130. It is preferable that the driving part 140 applies the plugging braking to the drum 130.

(34) The driving part 140 brakes the drum 130 and the velocity of the drum 130 is lowered, to drop the laundry (S230). The laundry is dropped at the peak of the drum 130, near 180 degrees, which the highest head, to make the shock the strongest. While the laundry is falling, the velocity of the drum 130 may be getting lowered and it is preferable that a pausing state is maintained. At least predetermined amount of the laundry may be dropped when passing a central line of the drum 130.

(35) After the laundry is dropped, the driving part 140 applies a torque to the drum 130 along a predetermined direction. Then, the drum 130 is rotated to rotate the dropped laundry and the laundry is re-lifted (S240). When the laundry is dropped after that, the driving part 140 re-applies a predetermined direction torque to the drum 130. When the drum 130 is rotated along the predetermined direction, the laundry is lifted by the lifter 135 and it is rotated along the predetermined direction. At this time, the drum 130 may be rotated at approximately 60 rpm or more to make the laundry be rotated in a state of contacting with the drum 130 closely.

(36) The steps of S210 through S240 mentioned above are performed while the drum 130 is making a first rotation along the predetermined direction. This embodiment represents that the drum 130 is rotated along a clockwise direction. Alternatively, the drum 130 may be rotated along a counter-clockwise direction to implement the step motion.

(37) Each of the steps is performed for a predetermined time period. However, each of the steps mentioned above generates much load applied to the driving part 140. Because of that, it is preferable that the steps are performed at a low net acting ratio. Here, the net acting ratio may be approximately 70%. In other words, the driving part 140 may be operating for approximately 10 seconds to perform the steps repeatedly and it may brake the drum 130 for approximately 4 seconds.

(38) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the scrub motion of the washing method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(39) The driving part 140 applies a predetermined direction torque to the drum 130 and the drum 130 is rotated along the predetermined direction, to rotate the laundry inside the drum 130 along the predetermined direction (S310). When the driving part 140 applies to the predetermined direction torque to the drum 130, with the laundry located at the lowest point of the drum 130, the drum 130 is rotated along the predetermined direction. After that, the drum 130 is rotated along the predetermined direction and the laundry is lifted by the lifter 135 to be rotated along the predetermined direction. At this time, it is preferable that the drum 130 is rotated at approximately 60 rpm or more, to rotate the drum 130 in close contact with the drum 130.

(40) When the largest height of the lifted laundry is over the half of the drum height after the rotation along the predetermined direction, the driving part 140 applies a braking to the drum 130 and the velocity of the drum 130 is lowered (S320). When the laundry is located over approximately 165 degrees by the rotation of the drum 130 along the predetermined direction, the driving part 140 applies a braking to the drum 130. The driving part 140 may apply a plugging braking and/or a dynamic braking to the drum 130. The plugging braking is preferable.

(41) While the driving part 140 is applying a braking to the drum 130, the laundry is dropped (S330). The rotation of the drum 130 may be temporarily stopped by the braking applied by driving part 140. At this time, the laundry may be dropped. It is preferable that the laundry is dropped at the highest head to make the shock the strongest. In addition, at least predetermined amount of the laundry may be dropped after passing a central line of the drum 130.

(42) After the laundry is dropped, the driving part 140 applies an opposite direction torque to the drum 130, the drum 130 is rotated along the opposite direction. Then, the laundry is lifted by the lifter 135 and it is rotated along the opposite direction. At this time, the drum 130 may be rotated at approximately 60 rpm or more to allow the laundry rotated in close contact with the drum 130.

(43) When the maximum height of the laundry is over the half of the drum height by the rotation along the opposite direction, the driving part 140 applies a braking to the drum 130 to lower the velocity of the drum rotation (S350). When the position of the laundry is approximately 165 degrees by the rotation of the drum 130 along the opposite direction, the driving part 140 applies a braking to the drum 130. The driving part 140 applies a plugging braking and/or dynamic braking to the drum 130. Here, the plugging braking is preferable.

(44) While the driving part 140 is braking the drum 130, the laundry is dropped (S360). The rotation of the drum 130 may be temporarily stopped by the braking applied by the driving part 140. At this time, the laundry may be dropped. The laundry is dropped at a position having the highest head and the shock may be the strongest. In addition, at least predetermined amount of the laundry may be dropped after passing the central line of the drum 130.

(45) Each of the steps is performed for a predetermined time period repeatedly. However, each of them generates much load applied to the driving part 140 and the steps may be performed with a lowered net acting ratio. It is preferable that the net acting ratio is approximately 70%. In other words, the driving part 140 is driving for approximately 10 seconds to allow each of the steps performed repeatedly and the driving of the driving part 140 may be stopped for approximately 4 seconds.

(46) FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a drum motion corresponding to some of steps shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6.

(47) A course is selected and washing starts (S601). The user selects the course by using the operational button of the control panel 115 and he/she inputs a start button. The microcomputer of the control panel 115 implements a command of starting washing corresponding to the course. At this time, the selected course may be a course requiring high washing ability such as a course for heavy dirt or a washing course using cold water (in other words, cold care course).

(48) According to this embodiment, the cold care course washing course is selected. The user rotates the course selection dial 115a to select a cold care course for using cold water to perform washing and he/she pushes the start button 115b. After that, it is inputted to the microcomputer of the control panel 115 that the cold care course is selected.

(49) The amount of the laundry loaded into the drum 130 is detected (S602). The laundry amount detecting may be realized by a variety of methods or devices. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the time required to lower the velocity of the drum 130 after the driving part 140 rotates the drum 130 at a predetermined velocity for a predetermined time period may be measured, to detect the amount of the laundry. As the time taken to lower the velocity of the drum 130 is getting longer, a level of the laundry amount is getting higher. The laundry amount is calculated by the microcomputer of the control panel 115.

(50) Hence, an initial water supply is performed (S603). External wash water is supplied to the washing machine and the tub 120 receives the wash water. When the cold care course is selected, external cold water is supplied to the tub 120. During the initial water supply, the cold water is mixed with detergent may be supplied to the tub 120.

(51) It is determined whether the laundry amount is within a preset range (S604). It is determined whether the detected amount of the laundry is a preset level or less. The microcomputer of the control panel 115 determines whether the laundry amount is large or small, to determine a corresponding drum motion.

(52) In case the laundry amount is within the preset range, laundry wetting is performed (S605). The laundry wetting is a process of moving the laundry to wet it with the wash water supplied to the tub 120. In case the laundry amount is within the preset range, it is preferable that the laundry wetting is performed according to the rolling motion as shown in FIG. 6. In other words, the driving part 140 rotates the drum 130 at a relatively low velocity along a predetermined direction to rolling drop the laundry, such that the laundry may be wet.

(53) Once the laundry wetting is performed, a high head motion is performed (S606). In the high head motion, the laundry is lifted over the half of the drum height and the drum 130 is braked by the driving part 140 after that, to drop the laundry. The high head motion refers to the step motion or the scrub motion. The drum 130 is braked after rotated at approximately 60 rpm or more to rotate the laundry in close contact there with, such that the laundry is washed by a shock generated by the high head. It is preferable that the step motion is performed as shown in FIG. 7.

(54) The high head motion generates much load applied to the driving part 140 and the high head motion is performed at a low net acting ratio. It is preferable that the net acting motion of the high head motion is approximately 70%. In other words, the driving part 140 is driving for approximately 10 seconds to perform the high head motion repeatedly and the driving of the driving part 140 is stopped for approximately 4 seconds.

(55) After the high head motion is performed, a cooling motion is performed (S607). The high head motion repeats rapid acceleration and rapid braking. Because of that, much load is applied to the driving part 140 and a cooling motion is required. The cooling motion may be realized by various methods, for example, lowering the load applied to the driving part 140. The embodiment of the present invention represents that the tumbling motion having a low net acting ratio is performed as shown in FIG. 6 as cooling motion.

(56) It is preferable that the net acting ratio is approximately 50% in the cooling motion. The driving part 140 is driving for approximately 8 seconds to rotate the drum 130 according to the tumbling motion. After that, the driving of the driving part 140 is stopped for approximately 8 seconds and the load applied to the driving part 140 is reduced.

(57) The cooling motion has an effect of loosening the laundry entangled by the high head motion as well as the effect of reducing the load applied to the driving part 140.

(58) According to other embodiments, the cooling motion may be replaced with various cooling methods performed to cool the driving part 140 by operating a fan provided in the washing machine or by using the wash water.

(59) It is determined whether the high head motion and the cooling motion are performed n times (S608). The high head motion generates much load on the driving part 140 and it is preferable that the high head motion and the cooling motion are performed mixedly and repeatedly. After the high head motion is performed for not more than 1 minute, the cooling motion is repeated n times. The repeated frequency n is differentiated by the selected course and the laundry amount.

(60) In case the cooling motion is repeated with the frequency of n, a normal motion is performed (S609). The normal motion is the tumbling motion, the rolling motion or the swing motion. Typically, washing is performed according to the tumbling motion. In case the laundry amount is within the preset range, washing may be performed according to the rolling motion as shown in FIG. 6.

(61) After the normal motion is performed, a rinsing cycle and a spinning cycle may be performed continuously.

(62) When the amount of the laundry is out of the preset range, the laundry wetting (S610) and the normal motion may be performed (S611). When the laundry amount is out of the preset range, the laundry wetting may be performed according to the tumbling motion not to generate overload applied to the driving part 140. In addition, the normal motion may be performed according to the tumbling motion.

(63) After the normal motion is performed, the rinsing cycle and the spinning cycle may be performed continuously.

(64) Experimental values of a washing ability and energy consumption with respect to the cold care washing and hot water washing will be as follows:

(65) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Normal Course Course Cold Care (Warm) Washing Ability 208.2 206.9 (Reflectivity Total) Energy Warm Water (L) 0 3.59 Consumption Cold Water (L) 47.31 46.52 Conversion (wh) 0 170.5 Electricity (wh) 139.1 121.6 Total (wh) 139.1 292.2

(66) In Table 1, experimental values are calculated in the cold care washing when the laundry is washed according to the step motion corresponding to the high head motion. According to Table 1, the washing ability is improved and the energy consumption is reduced when the cold care washing is performed according to the washing method of the embodiment.

(67) FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating temperature change in the washing method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(68) F period of FIG. 8 refers to a period in which the high head motion is performed. FIG. 8(a) refers to temperature change when the normal motion is performed after the high head motion is performed for 3 minutes and the normal motion is performed after the high head is re-performed for 2 minutes. At this time, the temperature of the driving part 140 is increased to 90C or more to generate over-heat.

(69) It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.